The Senate has established a special panel to strengthen government coordination and guide the creation of a comprehensive national contingency plan, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano announced Thursday.
Cayetano said the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) panel will enhance collaboration among national agencies, local governments, and the private sector using a whole-of-government approach.
Senate Resolution No. 350, authored by Cayetano and co-authored by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, formalizes the ad hoc committee.
The measure follows an earlier resolution urging the Executive Branch to craft a National Contingency Framework and Plan.
Under the resolution, the PROTECT panel will include the chairpersons of all Senate committees.
Its responsibilities include conducting hearings, consolidating input from stakeholders, and providing legislative oversight, while the implementation of measures remains with the Executive Branch.
The resolution highlighted the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted global oil supply and raised concerns about energy security, inflation, and economic stability.
It noted that these developments underscore the need for a coordinated national response.
“The Senate, in the exercise of its constitutional oversight function, cannot remain passive or rely solely on executive initiative when emerging crises pose significant risks to the lives, livelihoods, and welfare of the Filipino people,” the resolution stated.
Cayetano emphasized the importance of preparation and coordination.
“We are not strangers to crisis… Nasusubukan ang ating pundasyon ‘pag merong kalamidad o sakuna (We are not strangers to crisis… our foundations are tested when there are disasters or calamities),” he said.
He added that external shocks, particularly in energy supply, could drive up fuel prices and affect transportation, food production, and household expenses.
“Ang lahat ng crisis may winners, may losers… usually ang losers ay ang mahirap (Every crisis has winners and losers… usually the poor are the ones who lose),” Cayetano said.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who will lead the panel, underscored the urgency of crafting a clear and coordinated contingency plan to address the economic effects of the Middle East conflict.
The committee will focus on critical areas such as the safety of overseas Filipino workers, rising oil prices and supply disruptions, inflation risks, and the domestic economy’s vulnerabilities.
“Nais nating mapagaan ang mabigat na dinadala ng ating mga kababayan (We want to ease the burden being carried by our fellow Filipinos),” Gatchalian said, adding that the panel is committed to ensuring assistance and mitigation measures are sufficient and sustained.
The PROTECT committee is also tasked to submit a report to the Senate with its findings and recommendations, with a copy furnished to the Executive for appropriate action. (with reports from PNA)
